BEAVERTON, Ore., Mar 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), recently announced the opening of its grant cycle for its Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program for the 2010-2011 school year. Through Jordan Fundamentals, some of the country's most dedicated educators will have the opportunity to be awarded grants for their exceptional achievements and committed involvement in the education of today's youth. This year's grant application cycle is open now through midnight EST on April 30. Not only are teachers able to apply themselves, but Jordan Brand encourages students to urge their teachers to complete the online grant application.

The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program was established in 1999 to recognize outstanding teaching and instructional creativity in public secondary schools that serve economically disadvantaged students. The program awards $1 million annually to teachers across the country who motivate and inspire students toward achieving excellence. Since 1999, Jordan Fundamentals has presented more than $10 million in financial aid to public secondary school teachers.

"Teachers are special jewels that breathe life and inspiration into today's youth," says Howard White, Jordan Brand Vice President. "Through our Jordan Fundamentals program, we hope to be able to enhance their work which in turn enables students to be successful; not only in their studies but in preparation for life."

There are two types of grants teachers can apply for, Innovation Grants are awarded to individual teachers for projects that will impact student engagement and improve classroom instruction, while Inspiration Grants are awarded to teams of teachers to support scaling-up the implementation of successful approaches developed with Innovation Grants. Previous awardees of Innovation Grants may apply for an Inspiration Grant. Applicants must be public school educators in middle or high schools in order to be eligible.

All Jordan Fundamentals grant recipients epitomize the traits illustrated in the Jordan Brand code by proving their worth every day. These individuals work harder than everyone else, exemplify performance, stay dedicated and live with passion. These industrious traits motivate students to go beyond expectations and achieve inside and outside the classroom.

The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program is funded by the Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc., and administered by AbekaM, a private nonprofit educational consulting firm whose mission is to embrace child-serving organizations that are dedicated to bringing targeted, powerful supports to urban, minority and low-income populations. To apply for a Jordan Fundamentals Grant and for additional information about the program, please visit www.JordanFundamentals.com.

About Jordan Brand

A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and lifestyle products for both men and women. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers.

For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.

SOURCE: Jordan Brand

Jordan Brand
Terri Hines, 503-532-5862
Terri.hines@nike.com
or
Trisha Burns, 503-671-2693
trisha.burns@nike.com